Adaptive Audio Video Streaming via Device-Specific Bitrate Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio video content distribution methods fail to adapt effectively to varying device capabilities and bandwidth, leading to suboptimal user experience and inefficient bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A method that computes a set of bit rates for each device based on configuration data, including device type, screen size, and operating system, and encodes audio video content into multiple streams, splitting them into chunks with separate index files for network transmission, allowing for dynamic adaptation to device capabilities and bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single encoded audio video content stream is transmitted, then bandwidth usage is minimized, but device compatibility and user experience deteriorate due to inability to adapt to varying device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio video content into multiple encoded streams with different bit rates (e.g., 240 kbps, 400 kbps, 600 kbps, 800 kbps, 1000 kbps, 1500 kbps, 2000 kbps, 2500 kbps, 3000 kbps, 4000 kbps, 5000 kbps, 6000 kbps, 7000 kbps, 8000 kbps, 9000 kbps, 10000 kbps). Each stream is suitable for different device capabilities, allowing the system to select the appropriate stream for each device while maintaining adaptability without unnecessarily transmitting all streams simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bit rate parameter of the encoded streams to create multiple versions of the same content. By encoding at various bit rates, the system can adapt to different network conditions and device capabilities, resolving the contradiction between minimizing bandwidth usage and maintaining device compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bit rates are computed and encoded for each device, then adaptability to device capabilities is improved, but system complexity and processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of the audio video content into multiple bit rate streams before distribution. Configuration data for a plurality of devices is received, and bit rates are computed in advance based on device characteristics. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time encoding decisions at playback, reducing system complexity during actual content delivery while maintaining high adaptability.
3Productivity
If content is split into chunks with separate index files for each device, then content delivery efficiency is improved, but file management and system overhead worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each encoded audio video content stream into chunks and creates separate index files for each device type. This segmentation allows for efficient content delivery by enabling selective transmission of relevant chunks to each device, improving productivity while the systematic organization into device-specific index files manages the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces index files as intermediary components that manage the relationship between multiple encoded streams and various devices. These index files act as mediators, organizing references to chunks and enabling efficient content delivery without requiring complex direct management of all encoded streams for all devices, thus resolving the contradiction between delivery efficiency and management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of distributing audio video content is described. The method includes: receiving configuration data for a plurality of devices; for each device in the plurality of devices, computing a set of bit rates based, at least in part, on the configuration data; encoding audio video content at each bit rate in each set of bit rates to produce a plurality of encoded audio video content streams; splitting each encoded audio video content stream in the plurality of encoded audio video content streams into chunks to produce a plurality of chunked encoded audio video content streams; for each device in the plurality of devices, creating a separate index file, each separate index file including references to at least one of the plurality of chunked encoded audio video content streams; publishing a locator for each separate index file in a catalogue; and transmitting the plurality of chunked encoded audio video content streams and each separate index file to a network. Related systems, apparatus, and methods are also described.